Weld America Announces Leadership Transition: Jeff Bristow Takes the Helm as Executive Director and Vice President!

Weld America, a leading provider of on-site welding services based in Norfolk, Virginia, and a subsidiary of Colonna’s Shipyard Inc., has announced a key leadership transition with the appointment of Jeff Bristow as the new executive director and vice president. Bristow succeeds Ken Mebane, who recently retired after an impressive career spanning more than 46 years with the company.

Bristow steps into his new role with a wealth of experience and a strong background in shipbuilding and leadership. With more than 20 years of experience, he has developed deep expertise in contract administration, estimating, pricing, and program management. His leadership journey has also seen him contribute significantly to major projects and organizational growth, making him well-suited to guide Weld America into the future.

Before joining Weld America, Bristow served as the director of contracts and pricing at Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding, one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the United States. In that capacity, Bristow played a critical role in overseeing complex contract negotiations and pricing strategies, contributing to the successful execution of multiple high-profile shipbuilding programs. His extensive experience in government contracts and managing large-scale operations aligns perfectly with Weld America’s mission of delivering superior on-site welding solutions to its clients, particularly within the maritime and defense sectors.

Bristow’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Weld America, as the company looks to continue its growth trajectory and maintain its high standards of excellence in the shipbuilding industry. Under his leadership, Weld America is poised to build upon the solid foundation laid by Mebane, who served the company with distinction and helped shape its success over nearly five decades. Bristow’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and new strategies to the company, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation and customer service within the welding services industry.

With a strong commitment to quality and safety, Bristow is poised to continue Weld America’s legacy of providing exceptional welding services, while also driving new initiatives and expanding the company’s capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients.